Tablature Editors

Im a long time Guitar Pro user (since version 4) on Windows (XP, Vista 7) and OSX. Before the change to OSX 10.7 it was running ok at best. After Lion it has become a nightmare of a software. It will not recognize the sound card, regardless of it being the build-n card or any external interface, such as MOTU 896 MkIII, AVID Eleven Rack, and forget Axe-Fx 2 for this since the software only plays nice at 44.1 kHz sample rate. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE The basic idea of it as a transcription app is sound. It worked great up to version 5. There are some weird short comings like midi export does not include pitch bends you draw into the tab, or print outs insist on having dynamics marks. But the ingest issue is that not only does the current version not want to run on Lion even though the developer claims its Lion compatible, even worse their support is beyond lame. Their standard question to the same recurring problem by numerous customers is have you switched your audio deice to 44.1 kHz. OVERALL OPINION If they get around to making it run stable again it will be ok. Not great! Before the issue with Lion it had a tendency to play back at the wrong pitch (sample rate issue). Therefore being completely unusable as a play along unless you changed the tuning of the program. My suggestion for any one looking at transcription software would be to look into the programs notion music offers. Also the display options and fonts are nothing you would expect from a transcription software. I've dabbled in Sibelius which looks amazing, and am used to do my wok in Finale which also looks great and the printed end results are not comparable.I just downloaded the den for Notion and that seems to do everything I need in the way I do, and look the way it should. Unlike this disappointment of a software.

There were no compatibility issues for me when using Tabledit. I found that the software kept getting easier to use as it was updated. The manual that users download with the program will explain all the finer points, and I doubt that anybody would have any troubleshooting that the manual can't explain. The setup of the program is really a matter of downloading and installing it, and therefore, really isn't that complicated. All the functions of this program are really easily accessible once you learn the shortcuts and get more efficient with it. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE I have not had any problems with the software not working correctly, really the only thing I've noticed with this program is the fact that it's a bit tedious, but that is through no fault of the software. The performances have always been stable and have no slowed down or stalled my computer in any way. I think that I am getting a pretty high quality performance out of this program, it certainly doesn't affect my computer the way Logic, Pro Tools, or even Garage band do. OVERALL OPINION I think that this program, unlike the Powertab program, is good because it is far more versatile. First of all, it is not limited to the guitar, which is a highly nice program. This gives other instrumentalists and musicians the ability to use it and write for multiple instruments. In the latest update, the list of instruments that are included in the program are harmonica, mountain dulcimer, diatonic button accordion, drums, violin, tin whistle, recorder, Xaphoon, autoharp, pedal steel guitar, piano, ukulele, and banjo. I haven't used it for most of those instruments, but I do find it great that the piano and harmonica can be represented in a writing program. Another advantage that this program has over Powertab is that you don't need to stick to writing in tablature. That is, you can write the music in notated form and have it translate into tab (which is great for pianists, or other musicians trying to write for guitar who don't really understand tablature for the guitar.) I think that this is a great tool for people who might struggle in some ways with traditional notation software (like Sibelius or Finale). The MIDI sound files sound ok for MIDI, but obviously it's going to be sort of cheesy for most people. However, the practical application of the whole thing is really solid. I don't use this program that much for my purposes, but I'm glad to know that it's here when I need it. Worth checking out for people who need to tab or notate music easily and neatly.

Originally written by innocent.moon on Audiofanzine FR. No installation problems... I've been using it since version 3 came out... User's manual? I didn't know it had a manual... SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE My PC is quite powerful but I have also used the software with much more limited systems... The program works perfectly, except sometimes when it decides to display dozens of windows to show you a useless message... In which case, you'll be happy if you have a recent backup because the program crashes and you must restart... Another con is that it is for guitar only, so the number of octaves is limited... It's a pity, you can't create an organ score for example... OVERALL OPINION I've been using it for five six years? Maybe even seven years lol I don't remember anymore... I can't even remember how long I have been together with my girlfriend... The thing I like least is the RSE. It's crap! When I write a drum part, I use bass drum 35, snare 38 and kit 16 for the rest. The sound is really powerful... but with the RSE, you can't hear a thing... I already used versions 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5. Regarding the value for money, I thought it was free... No, not true: this piece of software is really affordable considering its features. I would buy it again without hesitation. It's a must have!